St. Apollinaris's Day
2026Thursday, July 23
Quick Facts
- Date
- Thursday, July 23, 2026
- Observed in
- Italy
- Type
- Religious Holiday
What is St. Apollinaris's Day?
St. Apollinaris's Day (Sant'Apollinare) is celebrated on July 23 and honors the patron saint of Ravenna, Italy. St. Apollinaris was the first Bishop of Ravenna in the 1st century AD and is venerated as one of the earliest Christian martyrs in Italy. The celebration is particularly significant in Ravenna, where two UNESCO World Heritage churches bear his name: Sant'Apollinare in Classe and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, both renowned for their extraordinary Byzantine mosaics.
When is St. Apollinaris's Day 2026?
St. Apollinaris's Day is on Thursday, July 23 in 2026. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
According to tradition, St. Apollinaris was a disciple of St. Peter the Apostle, who sent him to Ravenna to spread Christianity. He served as bishop for approximately 26 years, during which he performed numerous miracles and converted many pagans to Christianity. He faced persecution under Roman rule and was martyred during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, around 79 AD. His relics were originally kept in Classe, the ancient port of Ravenna, where the magnificent Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe was built in his honor in the 6th century.
How It's Celebrated
The feast day is celebrated with special masses and religious processions in Ravenna, particularly at the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. Pilgrims visit these churches to venerate the saint's relics and admire the stunning Byzantine mosaics depicting scenes from his life and martyrdom. The Archdiocese of Ravenna-Cervia organizes liturgical celebrations, and local communities participate in traditional festivities honoring their patron saint.
Where It's Observed
Fun Facts
- The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe contains one of the finest surviving examples of early Christian Byzantine art in the world
- Sant'Apollinare Nuovo was originally built by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great around 500 AD
- The famous mosaic in Sant'Apollinare in Classe shows St. Apollinaris praying in a paradisiacal garden with twelve sheep representing the apostles
- Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 AD and later the Ostrogothic Kingdom
- The name Apollinaris is derived from Apollo, suggesting his family may have been pagan before converting to Christianity
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is St. Apollinaris's Day celebrated on July 23?
July 23 is the traditional feast day marking the martyrdom of St. Apollinaris, the first Bishop of Ravenna. This date has been observed in the Catholic liturgical calendar for centuries.
Where are the main celebrations held?
The main celebrations take place in Ravenna, Italy, particularly at the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for their Byzantine mosaics.
What is St. Apollinaris the patron saint of?
St. Apollinaris is the patron saint of Ravenna and the Emilia-Romagna region. He is also invoked by those suffering from epilepsy and gout.
Is July 23 a public holiday in Ravenna?
July 23 is the patron saint's day of Ravenna. While not a national public holiday in Italy, it is celebrated with special religious observances and local festivities in Ravenna and surrounding areas.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around St. Apollinaris's Day? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
